2011 Around the Midwest columns

November 17, 2011Illinois College gets new lifeThe Blueboys had to receive special permission from the Midwest Conference to even hold practice last week. Read about one of the most unlikely playoff entrants in Around the Midwest.

November 8, 2011Concordia destined for second againIt almost doesn’t seem fair for Concordia (Ill.) and coach Lonnie Pries. In six years he has turned a team that hadn’t had a winning season in more than a decade into a regular NATHC contender. The operative word here is contender.

November 2, 2011Hanover hanging aroundFor those who thought the Panthers couldn't recover from their preseason loss of wide receiver Daniel Passafiume, Hanover has served notice that it's not done yet.

October 26, 2011North Central's football familyKathie Thorne has never suited up for North Central or stood on the sideline and called plays, but the wife of coach John Thorne is giving the Cardinals plenty of motivation this season.

October 20, 2011Monmouth's defense faltersCoaches are normally happy after scoring 53 points in a football game, but Monmouth’s Steve Bell said he and his coaching staff weren't "happy campers" this week.

October 11, 2011IWU's play speaks for itself“I’ve been around long enough where that doesn’t bother me or us,” Titans coach Norm Eash said. “You have to gain the respect of people. ... We’ll make our statement through our play.”

October 5, 2011Monmouth more than TanneyMonmouth’s Alex Tanney didn’t throw the game-winning touchdown pass in the Fighting Scots 10-3 victory over St. Norbert, but as the quarterback, he did something probably just as valuable.

September 28, 2011Attention turns to conference playTeams in the CCIW will begin eating each other this week after munching on nonconference competition over the first four weeks of the season.

September 20, 2011It's tough to be on topBenedictine had one of its best football seasons in school history last year. The Eagles, however, are already learning how difficult it is to repeat.

September 13, 2011Losing the game, but still winning praiseFranklin got blown out when the two-time defending champions came to town, but kept playing hard. Now the Grizzlies need to regroup for the HCAC schedule.

September 8, 2011Week 1 was a big oneHere is a quick look around the Midwest going into Week 2, including a game that will catch the attention of Division III watchers nationally.

August 29, 2011Ten games to watchAfter a summer of debt ceiling debates, earthquakes and hurricanes, thank goodness that football is here. And there will be no shortage of great games in the Midwest this year.